7.00 Credits
Knowledge base for working with critically ill patients across the life span from varying cultural backgrounds requiring complex care. Application of the nursing process and use of critical thinking skills to provide complex therapeutic interventions for individual and groups of patients with the following disease pathologies or requirements as a result of these pathologies: cardiac dysrhythmias, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, cardiac valvular disease, cardiac surgery acute respiratory failure, ARDS, mechanical ventilation, acute and chronic renal failure, renal transplantation, CVA, Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's Disease, intracranial insults, neurosurgery, obstructive bowel, liver failure, liver/pancreas transplant, multiple organ dysfunction, and critical care. Legal, ethical, and economic issues arising in acute and critical care practice settings are continuously explored throughout the course. Professional development is refined in the areas of responsibility, accountability, and collaboration with the multidisciplinary health care team. Clinical practicum allows students to practice more independently in a preceptored environment. Three (3) classroom hours and twelve (12) clinical hours per week. Prerequisites: NUR 210, NUR 302, NUR 314, NUR 315, NUR 316, NUR 327, NUR 331, NUR 371, NUR 372, NUR 376, NUR 406, and NUR 407. Co-requisite: NUR 426 and NUR 440.